New Mexico · Hiking

Eye of the Sandias Route

3.5 mi
round trip
1,671 ft
climb
7,629 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

The Eye of the Sandias Route is a 7-mile out-and-back hike in the Sandia Foothills, on city land in New Mexico. The trail gains about 1,670 feet over the course of the trip, carrying hikers from a low point near 6,123 feet up to the high point at 7,629 feet. It's a moderate route, and the climb is one of its defining features. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Sandia Park, which sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail's high point, show May highs around 73°F and October highs around 65°F. That station's July highs typically reach 83°F, and winter highs stay in the 40s. The trail is close to several other routes and climbing areas. Hilldale Loop and Powerline Route both lie about 0.1 mile away, and Super Rock is about 0.4 mile off. Climbers can also reach Switchback Boulder, roughly half a mile away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Eye of the Sandias Route

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      44° / 19°

    2. Feb

      48° / 22°

    3. Mar

      55° / 26°

    4. Apr

      63° / 34°

    5. May

      73° / 41°

    6. Jun

      83° / 49°

    7. Jul

      83° / 53°

    8. Aug

      80° / 52°

    9. Sep

      77° / 46°

    10. Oct

      65° / 36°

    11. Nov

      54° / 24°

    12. Dec

      43° / 18°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sandia Park, NM, 11.6 mi away at 7,030 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors